The Top 100 Songs of 2011 -- #76: "Where's Eddie" -- Drive-By Truckers

Athens, Georgia southern rock kings Drive-By Truckers kept on rolling in 2011 with Go-Go Boots, the band's ninth release. Though still steeped in the rock traditions the band has presented for years, a little bit of country and soul also worked its way into the final product, creating a well-rounded result containing a plethora of distinct influences.

Sadly, bassist/vocalist Shonna Tucker left the band earlier this month. However, before her departure, she left fans with one of the band's best recordings -- "Where's Eddie," on which she sang lead vocals.

"Where's Eddie" is a cover, written originally by songwriter/session guitarist Eddie Hinton. Hinton may not be a household name these days, but his allure certainly existed in the middle part of the 1900s, as he guested on songs by such artists as Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding and more.

The expert Truckers provide a calming backdrop here, which is fitting, because it's Tucker that is meant to shine -- and shine she does. Against a soulful southern rock vibe, Tucker sings the song as though it was written for her. Her voice is highly reminiscent of that of classic female country artists, but with a hint of soulful abandon.



The song unfortunately ends rather abruptly, but nonetheless, here we have a song that best exemplified Tucker's contributions to the band. It's sad that they appear to be long done, but at the very least listeners have a forget-me-not in the form of a beautiful little song.